United Starlet Rejects Advances From City

By Andy Hyslop

Salford born Callum Gribbin signed a new four-contract at Old Trafford in the summer

Still only 16 but a permanent fixture in United’s under-18s

Callum Gribbin is still only 16 years of age, but he is already being talked about as a future first-team star for Manchester United. Gribbin signed a four-year contract with the Reds in the summer despite reported interest from Liverpool.

As well as the reported interest from Liverpool in the summer, it has emerged that Manchester City offered the Salford born star a salary of £11,000 a-week to move across Manchester. A staggering amount for a 16 year-old to turn down, but he must feel his future is at Old Trafford.

Gribbin isn’t 17 until December 18 this year but is already a prominent player for United’s under-18s and has also impressed for the under-19s in the UEFA Youth League.

Despite his schoolboy status last season, he made 25 appearances for the under-18s. He managed 5 goals and 5 assists from the United midfield. He has already shown he is capable of playing in a number of positions. His best position is probable centre midfield, but has also played as a right-winger and in the No.10 role behind the striker.

He even managed to make a substitute appearance for the under-21s in the season finale against Manchester City. Clearly doing enough in that game against City for them to try and poach his talents from United.

This season he has already made 9 appearances for the under-18s, scoring 3 goals and has played in all three of the under-19s games in the UEFA Youth League. Scoring in the opening game against PSV Eindhoven. His performances have impressed Class of 92 graduate and United’s under-19s manager Nicky Butt.

Already in his short career, Gribbin has already been praised for his intelligence on the pitch, awareness of space and movement off the ball. He is clearly one for the future and will be looking to force his way into Warrant Joyce’s under-21 side in the next few seasons and then push onto the first-team